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Signs And Symptoms
The presentation of ARMD will depend on the type and severity of the disease. In some instances ARMD is found on a routine eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. In other situations, a patient may complain of a blurring of vision. If the patient has the dry form, the loss of vision is usually slow and insidious. However, some patients may describe a sudden loss when they cover one eye and find a drop in vision. In this situation, the good eye usually compensates for the decreased vision in the other.
If a patient describes seeing curvy lines, then there is a high probability of the wet form. Door or window frames are seen as curved. The fluid in the retina from the leaking blood vessel causes this distortion of lines, which is called metamorphopsia. The process in the wet form is usually fast. An ophthalmologist should see the patient immediately and may document the metamorphopsia with a graph paper called the Amsler grid.
Picture #7 metamorphopsia
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Picture #8 Amsler Normal
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Picture #9 Amsler Abnormal
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Both forms can occur at the same time. Each form produces its own symptoms and treatments. |
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